Course summary
Develop as a creative and professional writer while exploring the writing that has shaped, and been shaped by, different societies by studying our BA (Hons) Writing and English Literature degree in Cambridge. Join a course that scored 92% for Academic Support in the National Student Survey 2023. Explore professional writing techniques and learn to write compelling narratives whether you want to write poetry, drama, short fiction, news, features, or something else. You’ll improve your writing skills with invaluable feedback from professional writers, and workshops with your fellow students. You’ll also find out how English literature is shaped by its historical and cultural context, and how, in turn, it influences individual readers and the whole of society. You’ll also learn about many other subjects, including history, politics, religion, psychology and history of art, which will enrich your writing. Your deeper understanding of literary texts will improve your abilities as a writer. You can tailor your Writing and English Literature degree to your ideal career with our wide range of optional modules, including work-based modules in Years 2 and 3. We’ll support you to find work placements relevant to your chosen career, and you’ll have opportunities to take part in live briefs with our partner organisations. Some of our students recently worked with Slow Theatre Company, producing a series plays for their Women in Red Wiki project to increase awareness of the under-representation of women on Wikipedia. Our course options also allow you to take a placement year as part of your course. You’ll also have the option to learn a language with our Anglia Language Programme in Years 2 and 3, and/or study abroad for a semester and apply for funding to help cover the cost. You’ll develop many skills besides writing, including literacy, communication, research, creative thinking, self-reliance and teamwork, all of which can help you start a career in many different areas. The impact of our English Language & Literature research achieved 'world-leading' in the Research Excellence Framework 2021. Outstanding student support Join our student community and:
- benefit from award-winning learning facilities, including extensive library and IT resources
- learn from expert staff who will guide your research interests and career development
- access support, should you need it, with study skills, careers advice, health and wellbeing, and more.
- make the most of studying in the picturesque city of Cambridge, with its wealth of literary connections and opportunities
Modules
Year 1 modules: Foundation in Humanities, English, Media, Social Sciences and Education. Year 2 core modules: Introduction to the Study of Literature and Writing; Introduction to Imaginative Writing; Screenwriting: The Short Film; Contemporary Publishing for Writers; Reading Critically, Old English to Enlightenment. Year 3: Placement. Year 4 core modules: Writing Short Fiction; Romantic Conflicts; Victorian Literature and Culture; Writing for the Stage; Ruskin Module. Year 4 optional modules: Reading Beyond Britain; Writing World War One: Trauma, Memory, Resistance; Science Fiction; Contemporary Issues in Stylistics; The European Novel: Desire and Transgression; Modernism and the City; History of English; Dialogue and Debate: Renaissance Literature; Careers in Writing: Editing and Copywriting; Writing Creative Non-Fiction; Anglia Language Programme. Year 4 core modules: Writing Poetry; Writing and the Present. Year 4 optional modules: Major Project Writing; Major Project English Literature; Elizabeth Gaskell and the Brontës; Renaissance Magic; Spectacle and Representation in Renaissance Drama; Careers with English; Romantic Ideals; New Media Discourse; Literature and Exile: Displacement, Identity, Self; Film Journalism; Forbidden Stories: Banned Children's Books; Anglia Language Programme; Worldbuilding 1 and 2; The Business of Being a Writer: Craft and Professional Practice; Novel Writing: Long-Form Prose. Modules are subject to change and availability.
Assessment method
You’ll show your progress through many methods, reflecting the varied nature of your course. These will include writing portfolios, critical commentaries, presentations, journals and log books, critical essays, film reviews and analyses, internet, print and video production, and commissions. You’ll also take part in 'crits', in which you’ll present and defend your work.
How to apply
This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.
Application codes
- Course code:
- WQ85
- Institution code:
- A60
- Campus name:
- Cambridge Campus
- Campus code:
- C
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
UCAS Tariff - 96 points
GCSE/National 4/National 5
2025 entry requirements have been published using the current cycle information however, due to a current review these are subject to change. Please check back here for updates.
Please click the following link to find out more about qualification requirements for this course
https://aru.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/writing-and-english-literature
Student Outcomes
The number of student respondents and response rates can be important in interpreting the data – it is important to note your experience may be different from theirs. This data will be based on the subject area rather than the specific course. Read more about this data on the Discover Uni website.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
England | £9535 | Year 1 |
Northern Ireland | £9535 | Year 1 |
Scotland | £9535 | Year 1 |
Wales | £9535 | Year 1 |
Channel Islands | £9535 | Year 1 |
Republic of Ireland | £9535 | Year 1 |
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
Provider information
Anglia Ruskin University
East Road
Cambridge
CB1 1PT